What's the culture around overtime and taking leave?
Australia
Overtime is not glorified and most employees are entitled to overtime pay or time off in lieu under the Fair Work Act. The norm is to leave at contracted hours, and taking four weeks of annual leave each year is standard and encouraged.
New Zealand
Similar to Australia, work-life balance is openly valued. Employees receive four weeks of annual leave and face little stigma when taking sick leave or time off. The culture is informal and non-hierarchical, making it easy to set boundaries around working hours.
Singapore
Overtime culture is more prevalent, particularly in finance, tech, and professional services. Long hours are often implicitly expected, and leaving on time can sometimes be perceived negatively in more traditional organisations. Employees are entitled to annual leave starting from seven days, increasing with tenure, though many report not fully utilising it due to workload or workplace pressure.
Taiwan
Taiwan has historically had one of the longest working hours in Asia. While labour reforms in recent years have introduced a 40-hour work week and restrictions on overtime, a culture of presenteeism remains in many companies, particularly local firms. Annual leave entitlement starts low and unused leave is common. Multinational companies in Taiwan generally offer a more balanced environment than traditional local employers.
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The text "Reclaiming Life From Work: Boundaries, Burnout & Identity" suggests a focus on the challenges of work-life balance, specifically addressing the struggle to maintain personal identity and mental health (avoiding burnout) by setting healthier professional boundaries.
Workplace motivation is a complex, shared responsibility involving leaders, teams, and individuals. Factors like a lack of appreciation, unclear expectations, excessive workload, and burnout can hinder motivation. When organizations prioritize supportive environments and clear communication, employees feel valued, leading to increased purpose, personal growth, and, ultimately, a better experience for customers.
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